Honda Civic Hatchback (2000 - 2005) 1.7i CTDi Imagine 5d (2003/52) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I was foolish with my money and should have stuck with VW. I left VW for a reliable Honda and bought the worst car I ever have had! :(

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

None of them would buy a Honda given the severe and expensive problems I have had with this car

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definately not, nor would I buy a Honda. When I approached Honda UK regarding all the problems they were of no help and walked away. Very poor customer service - they do not value their customers I found and definately left me looking for the ' believe in dreams' part of my Honda experience.

What are you likely to buy next?

Never a Honda - probably a Toyota Avensis or a Volkswagen. I cannot emphasise enough how disappointed I am with this car!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,500

When did you buy the car?

February 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

I believed I got a good deal. a 1.7cdti civic imagine. In lovely condition outside and seemed to drive well. I was veery wrong!!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

The reliability that Honda builds its reputation on!!

What was the dealer like?

Dealer seemed fine on purchasing the car. Although not so helpful in future dealings with them. Had to get Honda UK involved.

What's it like to drive?

Sluggish from first to second but nippy after that. Light steering but economical on fuel.

What's it like to park?

Fine to park when it's not in a garage being fixed!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes, broke down 2 weeks after I bought it and after 5!! weeks in a Honda approved service garage (also where I bought it) they 'fixed' a faulty wiring loom. Broke down 10 days later again and my own mechanic found loose bolts and missing jubilee clips, leaking oil around injectors. Sent it back to dealer where I bought it only to be told all injector seals had to be replaced as they were incorrectly fitted by them. Broke down a year later, well, turned itself off at 70mph on a carraigeway. Had a faulty injector replaced, still car would not go. Took to a different Honda approved garage to be told it was the ECU (computer unit), after a £1600 bill car was going. 6 months later (last Wednesday to be exact) car turned itself off again whilst I was driving.

What's most practical about your car?

Good space inside cabin.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?